General Motors tweaked the entire Canyon lineup for improved off-road performance.
Driven largely by customer input about the outgoing model, the new 2023 GMC Canyon pickup promises to bring a more luxurious and capable offering to the mid-size segment. That’s especially true of the Canyon AT4X, which aims to be the most capable midsize off-roader you can buy.
The 2023 Canyon offers four trims: Elevation, AT4, Denali, and AT4X. Regardless of which you opt for, there are a few similarities across the lineup. It will only be sold with a short bed/crew cab configuration, and each will carry the same powertrain. In place of the 3.6-liter V-6 and the 2.8-liter diesel, new Canyons will come with GM’s High-Output 2.7-liter turbocharged four, all mated to GM’s 8L80 eight-speed automatic transmission. The boosted four-pot is slated to produce 310 and 430 lb-ft of torque, though GM is still awaiting confirmation on those figures. For comparison, the 2023 Ford Ranger produces 270 hp and 310 lb-ft. Assistant Marketing Manager Will Mellon told R&T that this powertrain was chosen with customer input in mind, as the powertrain blends the characteristics of the outgoing units.
Whether you opt for the base-model Elevation or the ultra-lux Denali, every Canyon outside of the AT4X will also now come with a 2-inch suspension lift compared to the outgoing models. The entire front suspension spindle has been moved forward by two inches on this new chassis, with a wider track helping to bring more performance and improved styling. Over a third of previous-gen Canyon sales belonged to the AT4 trim alone, which is why GM felt the need to embrace off-road capability across the entire lineup. The AT4X model will get an additional inch of suspension lift, though that doesn’t simply come by way of a spacer. The AT4X packs a set of Multimatic DSSV dampers, which are also found on the full-size Sierra 1500 AT4X. It’s a great suspension setup to have for both daily driving and off-road shenanigans, and could be a high-point of the package. The dampers themselves on AT4X models are now mounted outside of the frame rails, which should help to further optimize off-road performance and clearance. Elevation and AT4 models feature 9.6-inches of ground clearance, while Denali and AT4X provide 10.5 and 10.7-inches, respectively. The AT4X also picks up an electronically locking differential at both axles, as well as a mixed set of alloy and steel underbody armor protects the AT4X’s radiator, steering gear and transfer case.
Elevation and AT4 customers will receive 18-inch wheels, while the Denali comes with 20-inch units. The AT4X borrows the 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels from its Sierra counterpart, which come wrapped in 33-inch tires. Every other Canyon will pack a set of 32-inch rubber. All Canyon models now feature the same bolt-pattern as the full-size offerings, which opens up a massive world of aftermarket options for customers regardless of trim.
In order to make the most use of that wheel and tire combo, the truck’s front bumper has also been entirely reworked. A dramatic cutout has been made ahead of the front wheels, which helps improve approach angle significantly. Elevation, AT4 and Denali models feature an approach angle of 33.3 degrees, while the AT4X comes in at an impressive 36.9 degrees. The AT4X models also get a tapered rear bumper for an improved departure angle of 25 degrees. Opt for the limited-production Canyon AT4X Edition 1 model and there’s some additional hardware, including a steel front bumper, a safari bar, front bumper lighting, a factory-installed winch, and a wider set of skid plates.
Regardless of which trim you purchase, the new Canyon is a more athletic looking than its predecessor. That tall and wide stance helps trick you into thinking this is a more traditional full-size, though the dimensions aren’t that far off from the ½-tons of yesteryear. The longer wheelbase and wider track also allowed the design team to play with the body surfacing, Design Manager Rob Hunwick told R&T. There’s a real stamped-steel vibe to the styling, which uses the light to draw your eyes to the blingy wheel and tire combo. It’s a properly curvy truck that looks far more up-market than before. The hood has even been redesigned in order to improve downward visibility on the trails. That said, the power dome that the cutouts create looks right for an off-road truck.
There are also a few key details that help to set this truck apart from other GM products, including the all-new full-LED lighting elements at both bumpers. The tailgate also features a unique step pattern, which Hunwick says was derived from the bottom of trail running shoes. Atop the tailgate there’s a motif that shows two incredible off-roading destinations: Telluride and Moab. The AT4X also features fender lights, which Hunwick hopes to see become a GMC design element moving forward.
“Imagine pulling into one of the small overlanding campsites late at night,” said Hunwick. “You might not want to fire up the big lights you’ve added to your truck for camping, so these fender lights can provide just enough visibility to get yourself parked between the trees without issue.”
The interior brings a ton of styling elements from the full-size T1 SUVs. The layout is much more horizontal than before, which helps to make the cabin look more upscale. Elevation and AT4 models come equipped with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, while AT4X and Denali customers get an 11-inch unit. Every Canyon will feature an 11.3-inch infotainment screen, which flows right off of the gauge cluster unit. That center screen is bolstered by two rows of buttons. There’s also a 6.3-inch digital HUD, which displays a ton of helpful information. Every trim level gets a unique interior treatment, though the Denali is the only model available with the quilted Ironhide leather seating.
The AT4X gets a cool dual-tone black and white interior with red accents, including a bespoke mode selector switch. Speaking of modes, every GMC Canyon will feature four selectable driving modes: Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, and Terrain. The latter is particularly interesting, as it allows for adjustable one-pedal driving out on the trails. The Edition 1 models will get an additional mode known as Baja, which loosens up the traction and stability control system for some high-speed sliding on loose surfaces. The Canyon also packs a suite of optional trail cameras, which can display info from up to 10 cameras for total trail awareness. Customers can also option a sunroof for the first time in a Canyon.
“Midsize truck customers don’t deserve less of a truck,” Lead Creative Designer Brandon Lynum said in an interview with R&T. “We believe that the vehicle should provide everything the full-size truck does on the interior, just in a smaller package.”
The new Canyon will enter production in early 2023, while AT4X models will start going down the line by the spring. GM hasn’t provided official pricing for the entire lineup quite yet, but the automaker does state the Canyon Elevation should start right around $40,000. The range-topping AT4X Edition 1 is currently available for pre-order, with a price tag of $63,350 before destination. That’s a ton of money for a mid-size truck, but the new GMC Canyon does currently seem to stand as the lone luxury offering in the segment.
Keyword: The 2023 GMC Canyon Is More Off-Road Friendly Than Ever